[BlackcatAlum]

Turnovers early hurt Prestonsburg, but once they settled down they started playing much like they did in the 58th tourney and led at the half.

Paintsville basically dominated much of the 2nd half. Gotta credit Landon Slone and his team. Once Pburg switched from the 2-3 to man, Paintsville moved the ball around really well, attacked the baseline and got a ton of good looks with Woods and Cole. Tackett never made any adjustments and Tigers just slowly pulled away and Prestonsburg couldn't make enough plays offensively.

Hats off to Braxton Keathley. Kid played outstanding, struggled to get going in the 2nd half, but Paintsville defended him really well also.

Hate it also for the Blackcat seniors. Allen and Napier are super seniors and they've played for 4 or 5 different coaches at PHS, but these seniors deserve their flowers. They've been through a lot with the program and stuck it out and have played a TON of basketball for Prestonsburg. I wish those two along with Nairn and Reynolds the best and appreciate them being great representatives of our school and community.

Looking ahead, it's vital that Keathley and Shutts stay at Prestonsburg. I think there's a solid group of incoming freshman coming up that can help this program going forward. I'm a HUGE football guy and always will be, but I love Blackcat athletics as well and want to see them all win. Keeping those two will play a huge role in giving Prestonsburg opportunities to win in the future.